Backpacking Guide 08
Clothing, Footwear, and Layering
Guide
Backpacking clothing manages heat, sweat, wind, rain, sun, and insects. The goal is not to stay perfectly warm at every moment; it is to stay dry enough, avoid overheating, and keep enough reserve clothing for stops and emergencies.
This guide is reference material, not a substitute for trip-specific instructions, current weather information, land-management rules, permits, product directions, or guidance from the leaders responsible for an outing.
Use a simple layer system
| Layer | Job | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Moves moisture away from skin | Synthetic or wool shirt and underwear |
| Active layer | Adds light warmth while moving | Light fleece, breathable shirt, or wind layer |
| Insulation | Keeps warmth during stops and cold conditions | Fleece, synthetic jacket, or down jacket kept dry |
| Shell | Blocks wind and precipitation | Waterproof rain jacket and, when needed, rain pants |
| Accessories | Protects high-loss and exposed areas | Hat, gloves, neck gaiter, sun hat, sunglasses |
Avoid cotton for cold or wet backcountry conditions because it dries slowly and provides little insulation when wet. Cotton may be comfortable in some hot, dry settings, but the group still needs a plan for rain, sweat, falling temperature, and emergency delays.
Manage layers while hiking
- Start slightly cool. If you begin in every warm layer, you may sweat heavily within minutes.
- Add or remove layers before you become soaked or chilled.
- Put insulation on during long stops, then protect it with a shell when needed.
- Keep one dry set of clothing reserved for sleeping.
- Protect spare layers in waterproof bags and secure loose items from wind.
Footwear and socks
Choose trail shoes or boots that fit the terrain, load, and Scout. Stiff, heavy boots are not automatically safer, and light shoes are not right for every trip. Fit is the first requirement: toes need room on descents, the heel should not slide excessively, and there should be no pressure points.
- Break footwear in during practice hikes; do not bring brand-new footwear on a major trip.
- Use moisture-managing socks that fit without wrinkles. Carry a dry spare pair.
- Stop immediately when a hot spot appears. Dry the foot, adjust the sock or lacing, and protect the area before a blister forms.
- Trim toenails before the trip and keep feet clean at camp.
- Use gaiters when sand, snow, mud, or debris makes them useful.
Sun, heat, and insects
Use a brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing. In heat, favor breathable coverage and plan pace and rest around conditions. In insect-heavy areas, use clothing coverage, repellent, and a shelter with bug protection. Follow product labels and adult-leader guidance.
At every major stop, check layers, feet, water, sun protection, and how teammates are feeling. Small problems are much easier to fix early.
